All refugees have problems in Turkey. However, I believe that some problems are very unique to our situation. Many LGBT refugees have no one to turn to. Refugees who fled their countries because of their political activism often can turn to their political parties for support. Refugees who fled for religious reasons can turn to their religious communities. Some refugees can turn to their families in their home country for support. Many of us left everything behind. We have been cut off from our communities, our families in our countries and have no one to turn to.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals are among the most vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees in Turkey today. Having escaped persecution in their countries of origin, they arrive in Turkey to confront significant new challenges to their safety, security and protection.

This report is based on in-depth interviews with 46 LGBT asylum seekers and refugees living in Turkey, most of whom are Iranian. Their testimonials shed light on serious gaps in their protection, including violent harassment from local community members and other refugees, a lack of sufficient police protection, identity-based barriers to housing, employment, social services and education, and invasive questioning during asylum procedures. The report also sets out specific, practical recommendations to stakeholders to ensure that Turkey's LGBT asylum seekers and refugees are safeguarded from violence and harassment and provided equal access to their social and economic rights.